Appaholic: Scroll the Torah, 21st century style

The Torah for iPad app lets you actually “touch” the Torah while “scrolling” through it with a virtual hand-shaped pointer.

iphones R 311.
(photo credit:REUTERS)

Even though the High Holy Days are well behind us, there are some practices and
customs that are relevant throughout the year. Seeing at the last of the High
Holy Days was Simhat Torah – where we celebrate the conclusion of a cycle of
Torah readings, expressing our joy by singing and dancing with the Torah – it
seems only natural that Appaholic would jump into the spirit of things.

As an ode to the Torah, this week, we turn our eye to one special iPad app,
Torah for iPad.

While there’s no substitute for the real thing, this Rusty Brick app does go the
extra mile in an attempt to recreate the feel of standing beside a real Torah.
Not only does the Hebrew lettering mirror the script found in an actual Torah,
the app even comes with a “yad” – the hand shaped pointer traditionally used to
touch the parchment of the Torah.

Readers who are less familiar with the Torah text and scholarship should,
however, take caution: There is little English in this app. While each Parsha
can be quickly accessed through an English-language index, those searching for
English commentary, insight and analysis should search elsewhere.

At the
start of this cycle of the Torah, if you're feeling inspired to start this cycle
of parsha readings off on the right foot, consider investing in this Rusty Brick
app.Cost: $7.99 Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or
later

Appaholic is a bi-weekly column which thematically reviews mobile apps
with a Jewish or Israeli twist. If you have an app to suggest, send details to
appaholic.jpost@gmail.com The writer is The Jerusalem Post‘s Social Media
Manager